Dodge City, KS – Dangerous fire conditions are developing across western and central Kansas this afternoon, with very low humidity and strong wind gusts creating an immediate risk for fast-moving grass fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, relative humidity will fall as low as 14% to 20% between 1 PM and 7 PM Monday, while wind gusts peak between 30 and 37 mph across cities including Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Hays. These conditions significantly increase the likelihood that any spark could quickly grow out of control.
The highest risk areas stretch along major routes such as US-50, US-83, and US-283, where open fields and dry vegetation dominate the landscape. Visibility on roadways could drop rapidly if fires develop, especially in rural areas.
Communities including Elkhart, Scott City, and Pratt should avoid any outdoor burning, delay equipment use that may create sparks, and secure trailer chains to prevent roadside ignitions.
Fire danger will begin to decrease after sunset as winds ease and humidity recovers, but elevated risk may persist into early evening. Additional alerts could be issued if conditions worsen or fires develop.
